The Associated Press recently published this list of nutrition tips for people with cancer. These are excellent guidelines to keep in mind, and with cancer being so prevalent, odds are most people will have a friend or loved one who could benefit.

A good thing about these tips is that they include several suggestions for dealing with nausea, diarrhea, and other side affects from treatment or the disease itself. Here are a few selections from the list:

- Cancer patients tend to need more protein than healthy people. Peanut butter crackers, yogurt and fruit, a hard-boiled egg and piece of toast all are good mini-meals.

- White, bland foods tend to help with nausea, such as Cream of Wheat, mashed potatoes, cottage cheese.

- Odors often worsen nausea, and foods served at room temperature rather than warm tend to have milder odors.

- Fresh ginger about 30 minutes before eating also can take the edge off nausea, but not ginger flavoring common in many sodas. A study published last week found ginger capsules work, too.

The most important tip in the list is a reminder to tell your doctor about any over-the-counter dietary supplements you may be taking - including EpiGaia. It’s important to consult your physician whenever you are considering taking a supplement, but it is vital for cancer patients due to possible “dangerous interactions with anticancer medications.”

The complete list is available here: if you or someone you know has cancer, take advantage of these tips to make sure you’re getting the nutrition you need.